Account Director

Who we're looking for:

We are seeking an experienced and highly motivated Account Director to join our dynamic and innovative team at VML UAE. As a strategic leader, you will be responsible for providing comprehensive strategic direction and support to our clients, driving both short-term sales objectives and the cultivation of long-term brand value. You will serve as the primary point of contact for key clients, ensuring their needs are consistently met and exceeded, while also leading and mentoring a team of account management professionals. Your role will be critical in overseeing the overall quality and financial health of your assigned accounts.

What you'll be doing:

• Provide strategic direction and ensure the successful implementation of client objectives, aligning them with overall business goals.
• Develop a deep understanding of each client's business, industry, and competitive landscape to generate innovative ideas and solutions.
• Collaborate closely with clients to uncover business needs and objectives, partnering with the Business Director to set strategies, determine implementation plans, and ensure flawless execution.
• Proactively identify opportunities, anticipate potential challenges, and develop robust contingency plans to mitigate risks.
• Build and nurture strong, long-lasting relationships with clients based on trust, credibility, and professional respect.
• Act as a strategic partner to the account's planner, contributing insightful and relevant information to the development of effective strategies.
• Understand customer requirements to offer suitable solutions and generate new business opportunities within existing accounts.
• Ensure the timely and high-quality delivery of services and products to clients, resolving any issues promptly and effectively.
• Effectively manage the account team, fostering a constructive work environment, promoting teamwork, and initiating team-building activities.
• Train, mentor, and motivate account team members, focusing on developing their skills and abilities for enhanced performance and career growth.
• Delegate tasks effectively and provide clear direction and support to team members.
• Take full responsibility for the financial health of the account, ensuring efficient operations and profitability.
• Undertake financial negotiations for client fees, ensuring fair and mutually beneficial agreements.
• Develop and manage account budgets, tracking expenses and ensuring adherence to financial guidelines.
• Build and maintain efficient internal processes and relationships to ensure timely and cost-effective delivery of services.
• Exercise overall quality control over all aspects of the account, ensuring adherence to VML standards and client expectations.
• Regularly report to the Business Director, providing updates on daily operations, progress against objectives, and any potential issues.
• Identify and pursue new business opportunities within existing accounts and contribute to new business pitches as needed.
• Stay abreast of industry trends and emerging technologies to identify potential opportunities for VML and its clients.

What you'll need:

• Bachelor's degree in Marketing, Advertising, or a related field.
• Minimum of 6 years of progressive experience in Account Management within an advertising agency environment.
• Proven track record of successfully managing complex client relationships and consistently delivering measurable results.
• Excellent communication, presentation, and interpersonal skills, with the ability to build rapport at all levels.
• Demonstrable experience in high-stakes negotiation and successfully meeting diverse client requirements.
• Solid understanding of budgeting, financial management, and reporting on progress and profitability.
• Strong project management and exceptional time management skills, with the ability to prioritize effectively.
• Ability to critically judge creative work and provide constructive, effective feedback.
• Meticulous attention to detail and an unwavering commitment to quality standards.
• Resourceful in finding information and innovative solutions to challenges.
• Creative mindset with a deep understanding and appreciation of great advertising.
• General awareness of society, cultural trends, and a genuine interest in brands.
• Entrepreneurial spirit and a proactive, self-starting approach to problem-solving.
• Preferred: Experience working with clients and understanding market dynamics in the Middle East region.
• Preferred: Arabic language proficiency is a significant asset.

Additional Competencies:

• Strategic Leadership
• Client Relationship Management
• Financial Acumen
• Team Development & Mentorship
• Negotiation & Persuasion
• Business Acumen
• Operational Excellence
• Problem Solving

What you'll get: You will have the opportunity to work with exciting global brands while prioritizing your career development and skills growth. We empower you to make a difference and be yourself, offering a comprehensive benefits package that includes hybrid working options, social events, training opportunities, medical and life insurance and more. Our shared values and behaviours—Inspire Creatively, Approach Positively, Connect Meaningfully, Include Purposefully—guide our culture and the actions we take every day.

At VML, we are committed to fostering an all-inclusive work environment that is both rewarding and career-forward. Our Inclusion, Equity & Belonging initiatives, alongside the VML Foundation, reflect our dedication to giving back and making a positive impact in our communities and beyond. Our people are the heartbeat of our organization—creators, doers, innovators, makers, and thinkers—who drive not just marketing, but meaningful experiences that resonate in every action and interaction. VML is a WPP Agency. For more information, please visit our website, and follow VML on our social channels via Instagram, LinkedIn, and X.

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